Tooth enamel erosion and restoration

What is tooth enamel erosion?

Tooth enamel is the hard coating of the teeth. If this gets worn away it is called tooth enamel erosion or dental erosion.

What causes tooth enamel erosion?

Acid in food and drink attacks the enamel on the teeth and is the main cause of dental erosion. Saliva in the mouth works hard to get rid of acid from the mouth to protect the teeth. However, over time too much acidic food and drink, and problems with tooth brushing, means saliva's repair work cannot cope, and slowly little bits of enamel are eroded away.

To begin with teeth may look more stained, but further exposure of the dentine beneath the enamel makes teeth more sensitive and painful when exposed to hot, cold or acidic food and drink.

Some other causes of tooth enamel erosion include:

Bulimia - an eating disorder where someone makes themselves sick after eating that introduces stomach acids into the mouth.

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